Ronald Newman leads Groundswell's Southeast Rural Power Program, consistent with the organization's Solar for All grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. The program facilitates the development of community solar projects across eight states in the Southeast. It is designed to channel clean energy, free of charge, to low-income households. Through this program and beyond, Ronald is committed to bringing improved economic opportunities to more people in the United States, especially within underserved communities.
Ronald provides strategic direction, program governance, and general oversight to Groundswell's SE Rural Power Program (SERP) and leads the SERP Team. He coordinates day-to-day efforts to partner with utilities and cooperatives in the SE region, collaborating with renewable energy project developers, structuring effective financing arrangements, and, most importantly, ensuring program beneficiaries are being well served.
Prior to joining Groundswell, Ronald served in the federal government, at the White House, State Department, and the Treasury Department, advancing implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, in that latter role. He has served as National Political Director at the American Civil Liberties Union, and in the investment banking sector at Goldman Sachs & Co.
He currently serves on the board of two nonprofits, both of which are focused on economic justice and fairness issues – the American Economic Liberties Project and the Fairness Project. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Ronald graduated from Morehouse College and holds a J.D. from Yale Law School. He adores books, jazz, international travel, and hanging out with his two kids.